Gursikhs from the Past

Bhai Mani Singh was born at a village named Kailbowal. The village was later destroyed during Nadar Shah's invasion. Its ruins are near Sunam district Patiala. His father was a Jat Sikh named Chaudri Kala. His parents called him Mania. When he was about five years of age his parents visited Anadpur. They did so to see and pay homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur. Guru Gobind Singh then known as Gobind Rai was about the same age as Mania. They became playmates and friends.

When Chaudri Kala and his wife decided to return home Mania refused to accompany them. He expressed a wish to stay at Anandpur and play with Gobind Rai. His wish was granted. He became a life-long companion and devoted Sikh of Guru Gobind Singh. Mata Gujri took charge of Mania. She treated him like her own son. The playmates lived together dined together played together and learnt together. Mania became a great scholar.